razorjack

Hi,
Is there a read light with proximity or light (not IR) sensor ? So it can turn lower mode automatically if followed by other cyclist and not dazzle him?
A lot of lights have IR sensor, but it's to enable 'day mode' - useless.

What about detecting other cyclist just behind you? (distance, or their lights).

I think Garmin Varia does that? but the price is just plain stupid, won't gonna happen.
Any other options ?

gpburdell

I'm unaware of any lights which do this - seems rather a limited market opportunity vs merely having different modes you can choose depending on circumstance.

Be interesting if someone does know of a light in mind which does this.

Closest would be an ANT+ compatible rear light such as the Bontrager Ion Flare RT and change the mode from your compatible cycling computer (Garmin Edge, others). Seems there's still some software bugs so it's not perfect.

blacknbluebikes 

"affordable" is a function of market. agree w/ gpburdell -- not enough market demand

canklecat

On my road bikes I've mounted my taillights on the seatpost where I can reach them with one had. But with Cygolite Hotshots there are so many modes I get lost trying to cycle through the carousel of choices to find the right one. Sometimes I'll remove the light, check it, then put it back, while riding. But it depends on the traffic and road conditions.

I use only three modes on the Hotshots so I'd prefer it if Cygolite enabled user selection of certain modes to lock out the others we don't use. Ditto my NiteRider Lumina Dual 1800 -- I'd rather have a touch slider to go from bright to dim and flashing modes. In this case the single button control isn't easier.

If I'm recalling correctly from a friend's bike, Bontrager or Blackburn have a light system -- headlights, taillights, side lights -- that can be controlled from the cockpit controls mounted on the stem or handlebar.

Tourist in MSN

A couple alternatives:

The Planet Bike Superflash 65 has a courtesy mode. It is bright and then dim and bright again, but it is a slow transition, not a strobe like effect. I have one in the AAA variety. They have several lights called Superflash, some do not have the courtesy mode, I am specifically citing the 65 has this mode. They also have a Li Ion version if you prefer that.
https://www.planetbike.com/superflas...ke-tail-light/

Some lights have a very well designed lens so that the light does not shine upwards or down, just straight back. If you have that type of light mounted low, for example on a seat stay just a few inches above a dropout, then someone following close by would still see the light but the bright part of the beam would be lower than their eyes. But this placement means you have to get off the bike to turn it on or off. And you have to carefully aim this light for the traffic behind to see the brightest part of the beam.

The lower light in the photo is one of those that has a well designed lens to shine straight back, but this model is no longer sold so I don't recall the model name.

gpburdell

Yes, certain Trek/Bontrager lights are ANT+ compatible and controllable via a remote or via a Garmin Edge or other computer that handles ANT+ lights. The Garmin Edge also will control the light in a Varia RTL515 as well, including setting the Varia to its "Peloton" light mode which is a "moderate" solid light. Still manual control though vs. what the OP asked about.

bikebikebike

The Varia is pricey
but as much as I find stuff to dislike about Garmin, once you use it they have to pry it from your hands
The lack of used ones on the market speak to that
It does a pretty good job of what you are looking for.
Only shortcoming is dropping same speed targets
Even spots roller bladers gaining on me
Has the utility of your car's back up mirror
Try one. I think you'll like it. It's a life saver.
Return it if it doesn't do the job.

biker128pedal

The Varia is pricey but worth it. I got mine from a Trek Dealer with the annual discount they used to put on their magazine.

The Trek Bontrager lights with Ant+ can be controlled. Trek sells a handlebar controller for them. I had to check. Here is the link below. Cost wise the controller and lights will cost a little over $100. A local Trek dealer should be able to answer your questions. I may get one for the RT flare I have under my seat. My 1030 controls my front RT pro and rear Varia. I don’t know how to make the 1030 control three light.

Top two things under light accessories. The micro one will control 4 lights. It can be installed as a bar end plug.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-lights/bike-light-accessories/c/E222/

Lights RT Lights. Rear is $65
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/e...lights/c/E312/

WhyFi

The Varia has an automatic peloton mode, but to my knowledge, it doesn't do what the OP wants - Peloton Mode just keeps the device from being triggered by/alerted to people pacing you, it doesn't alter the light pattern/intensity in any way.

GhostRider62

I do not believe there is a tail light that automatically does what OP wants.

I usually just reach back and change mode of the light to keep from blinding fellow riders.